Kim So-hyun Captures Hearts in 'Serendipity's Embrace'

Screenshot of tvN 'Serendipity's Embrace?'

Actor Kim So-hyun captivated viewers with her realistic detailed performance.

Kim So-hyun has captured the audience's attention with her remarkably detailed and realistic performance in tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama, 'Serendipity's Embrace.' Directed by Song Hyun-wook and Jung Kwang-sik, and scripted by Park Gro, the series is produced by Studio Dragon and IOK Company. Based on the original Naver Webtoon of the same name by Nam Ji-eun (writing) and Kim In-ho (drawing), the drama explores a romance that brings back the clumsy and earnest memories of first love, rekindling feelings a decade later through what seems like a twist of fate.

In the episodes that aired on the 22nd and 23rd, Kim So-hyun brought her character, Lee Hong-joo, to life with impressive authenticity. From a curious and excited high school student to a disillusioned office worker, Hong-joo’s character journey is portrayed with depth and nuance by So-hyun. Her portrayal of Hong-joo—ranging from a high schooler's naive enthusiasm to a twenty-nine-year-old's jaded skepticism about love—demonstrates her versatile acting skills.

So-hyun’s lively performance includes memorable scenes, such as Hong-joo’s unapologetic enjoyment of pork belly on a blind date and her playful antics like eating spicy chicken-flavored noodles and dressing up as a king in a folk village. These moments highlight So-hyun’s ability to infuse the character with charm and vitality.

In the storyline, Hong-joo reconnects with her high school classmate, Kang Ho-young (played by Chae Jong-hyup), after ten years. Hong-joo’s unchanged and sincere demeanor triggers nostalgia for both Ho-young and the viewers. Despite this, she expresses skepticism about love, calling it "frozen food" and hinting at her reluctance to embrace it fully.

The plot thickens when Hong-joo agrees to a day out with Baek Wook (played by Choi Dae-chul), only to discover that his cousin is none other than Ho-young. Initially resistant, Hong-joo eventually warms up to the amusement park visit, showcasing her endearing and spontaneous nature.

Kim So-hyun's performance, which includes Hong-joo’s subtle efforts to distance herself from Ho-young, has heightened viewers' curiosity about her character's transformation. The contrast between Hong-joo's enthusiastic involvement in matters of love during high school, such as delivering a love letter from her best friend Kim Hye-ji (played by Kim Dasom), and her current fear of romance, adds depth to her character’s backstory.

Kim So-hyun has firmly established herself as a romance lead, thanks to her charming chemistry with Chae Jong-hyup and her ability to embody Lee Hong-joo’s cheerful and optimistic nature. Her delightful charm and nuanced acting skills have brought Lee Hong-joo to life, making her character even more engaging and vibrant.

Kim So-hyun’s captivating performance in 'Serendipity's Embrace' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:40 p.m. on tvN.